New Delhi: Operation Sindoor has shown the world how air power can be effectively used in shaping military outcomes in just a few days, chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Wednesday during his address at the 93rd Indian Air Force (IAF) Day celebrations.
The air chief also awarded citations to a few IAF units, including a Rafale squadron, for their role during the operation.
“India’s bold and precise attacks (during Operation Sindoor) restored the rightful place of offensive air action in the national consciousness. Our robust air defence architecture and long-range surface-to-air missile systems limited the adversary’s freedom to operate and ensured safety of our vital assets,” Singh said at the Hindon airbase.
The four-day military operation witnessed India carrying out high-precision missile strikes on terror infrastructure as well as military targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Operation Sindoor was launched by India in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.
India had no intention to target military installations in Pakistan or PoJK and had only struck nine terror facilities early on May 7. Pakistan, however, retaliated with a barrage of missiles and drones, targeting Indian civilian and military infrastructure. India finally responded on the intervening night of May 9/10 by striking several Pakistan Air Force bases and air defence systems across the country. These strikes brought Pakistan to its knees and it sought a truce.
“Our performance in Operation Sindoor fills us with professional pride,” ACM Singh said, hailing the role played by weapons systems developed indigenously.
“The outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons, which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory, vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities. Operation Sindoor is a shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution,” he said.
The air chief had recently said that Pakistan lost as many as 12 to 13 aircraft, including fighter jets such as US-made F-16s and Chinese-origin JF-17s, to the IAF’s precision strikes, both on ground and in the air during Operation Sindoor.
At his annual press conference on October 3, he had said there were “signs” that India destroyed 6-7 aircraft in its ground strikes on Pakistan airfields and another six jets in the air. He also dismissed Islamabad’s claims of downing Indian jets as “Manohar Kahaniyan” or fanciful tales, aimed at delivering a message to its domestic audience.
on Wednesday, the air chief underscored the importance of training hard and staying prepared.
“As we celebrate our triumphs and success, we must remain prepared for the future. Our planning must be innovative, practical and adaptive. Our training must be based on the principle of ‘train like we fight’. It should continue to be honest, rigorous and relevant to the emerging challenges. We must recognise that victory comes with effective teamwork. We have to leverage our collective strength, foster synergy and promote interoperability, not only within the IAF but also with other defence services and organisations to achieve national goals,” he said, adding that several new systems, weapons and equipment have been successfully integrated into the air force’s operational plans.
“I can see that there is an increased culture of accountability, safety and security amongst the air warriors and this is directly reflecting in our reduced incidents and accidents. At all levels, leaders are leading from the front, demonstrating exceptional vision and empathy. They are ensuring that every individual is empowered with the necessary training and is motivated,” he added.
